The Mosley Review: Project Hail Mary
Ya know, its been awhile since we've had a good space film. We've had epics here and there that were based on a franchise and were more doom and gloom, super serious or darkly violent. It has truly been a while since we've had something genuinely fun, uplifting and made you feel hopeful for the future. Now, I haven't read the best selling novel this film was adapted from, but what I witnessed film wise was a story that felt like the best parts of humanity coming together to meet a new life form without any hostility. It almost felt like the good old days of classic Star Trek series I grew up on as it reinforces the idea of unity and empathy. Sure the main motivation of the story is pretty scary and has been talked about for years, but it wasn't as extreme as it could've been nor is it the main focus of the story. Where this film excels is the light hearted and emotional journey between two different beings that take you on a space odyssey that I didn't know I needed. I enjoyed the science lesson within the film as at some points it lost me, but I caught up by the end.
Ryan Gosling leads us on this space adventure as Dr. Ryland Grace. Starting as an over qualified science teacher and ending up an astronaut with the task of saving humanity was a leap that was both fun and terrifying. Grace has this responsibility thrust upon him and it was fun to watch him find the joy in the science and then realize the weight of it all. From beginning to end, Ryan does an excellent job bringing to life the charm and innocence of the character. I loved the classroom scenes alot as it plays to the characters true passion of wanting to teach science. The emotional range of Grace is explored once he is alone in space and is magnified when he makes an unlikely stone friend. James Ortiz was fantastic as the voice the alien stone creature, Rocky. Their story together was the heart and soul of the film and I was so glad we didn't deviate from them for too long. As they go to know each other, they became one of the best on screen duos I've seen in a while. It was a real brotherhood that was made in space and I loved the emotional rollercoaster they both go on. The scene where Grace chooses the computer generated voice for Rocky was a great bonding moment. Oritz brings to life the perfect emotional tone within the robotic nature of the prompted voice. Sandra Hüller was fantastic as Eva Stratt. As Ryland's superior and the head of the Hail Mary project, she had the hardest job in keeping him level and trying to convince him to make the most impossible choice of accepting a mission that spans years. I liked that even with her cold and commanding exterior, there were moments that showcase her warmth. Lionel Boyce was awesome as Officer Carl. He was assigned to Grace and through his immeasurable amount of charm, Grace brings out Carl's fun side and they became good friends for the brief time they spent together.
The score by composer Daniel Pemberton was both ethereal, soulful and fun as he carries us through the vastness of the stars and the beautiful sights they behold. The performances bring to life the emotional core of the film, but Pemberton's score makes it soar. Visually, this film is absolutely stunning as it looks like the films I grew up with in the 90's. The use of practical sets, puppeteering and backdrops was noticeable and appreciated. Sadly, most films today have that overly bright, hyper exposed whites and not enough black scale or even the gray scale that washes out all color. This film gets rid of all of that and gives a more truer vibrance of color that was not afraid to have dark corners. I saw this on a True IMAX 70mm screen and I cannot tell you how magical this experience was. Not many films get this treatment or deserve it, but this one did. It is a must see in that format if possible in your town. This will definitely be in contention for one of my favorite films of 2026 and I can't recommend this film enough. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in comments below. Thanks for reading!
